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a story of ruhu’llah

Many of us are familiar with Ruhu’llah, who, although he was very young, was ready to lay down his life rather than deny the cause of God—I’ve told this story several times, and blogged about how it was received positively by the children in our class. While doing some reading the other day, I came upon another, short story about Ruhu’llah which would be perfect for classes on a number of themes, including progressive revelation, seeking knowledge, and the investigation of truth. The story can be found on page 58 of The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, Vol. 4.

Varqa’s two children ‘Azizu’llah and Ruhu’llah who accompanied him to ‘Akka also had the honour of attaining the presence of Bahá’u’lláh several times. Contact with the Supreme Manifestation of God left an abiding impression on their souls. Though young in age they both became charged with the spirit of faith. Ruhu’llah in particular flourished spiritually in those holy surroundings. He may be regarded as one of the spiritual prodigies which the hand of God has raised up in this Dispensation. Although He was only about eight years old when He came into the presence of Bahá’u’lláh, his understanding of the Faith was very profound.

To cite one example: One day Bahá’u’lláh asked Ruhu’llah, ‘What did you do today?’

He replied, ‘I was having lessons from — [a certain teacher].’ Bahá’u’lláh asked, ‘What subject were you learning?’ ‘Concerning the return [of the prophets]’, said Ruhu’llah. ‘Will you explain what this means?’ Bahá’u’lláh demanded. He replied: ‘By return is meant the return of realities and qualities.’

Bahá’u’lláh, questioning him further, said: ‘These are exactly the words of your teacher and you are repeating them like a parrot. Tell me in your own words your own understanding of the subject.’

‘It is like cutting a flower from a plant this year,’ answered Ruhu’llah. ‘Next year’s flower will look exactly like this one, but it is not the same.’

The Blessed Beauty praised the child for his intelligent answer and often called him Jinab-i-Muballigh (His honour, the Bahá’í teacher).